Cartwright Announces $272,828 USDA Rural Development Award to Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance

Press Release

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced that the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance (WPWA) will receive a $272,828 award through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Program.

WPWA will use funds to address the low employment conditions in the hospitality and leisure industry, which is the largest sector in both Wayne and Pike counties, by creating paid internships and skill-specific trainings relevant to the industry. The grant will also cultivate the future landscape of job growth in the region by offering technology-focused training programs. The development of this technology-training track will be done in partnership with the Stourbridge Project, the local Business Incubator, and the local PA CareerLink Office.

"The need for retraining for the next opportunity is even greater with more people out of work due coronavirus closures," said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "I am grateful for our continued investment in workforce development and for the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance's innovative response to our current crisis."

"We must continue to generate opportunities for increased skill-development and credentials," said Lucyann Vierling, Executive Director of Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance. "Existing and future community-based businesses, industries and organizations require a well-educated, highly skilled, technologically literate workforce to remain viable, competitive entities into the twenty-first century. For Pennsylvania communities to attract new industries and employers, a strong workforce is an important prerequisite."

These awards are available through the USDA Rural Business Development Grant program's Strategic Economic and Community Development provision, which advances projects supporting long-term community and economic growth strategies to capitalize on the unique strengths of the rural areas.

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